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Pistakee Lake

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Illinois, United States

4.7·969 catches

Top fish species at Pistakee Lake

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Check which species have trophy potential in Pistakee Lake

Pistakee Lake fishing reports

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Channel catfish

length · weight

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Walleye

length · weight

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White bass

length · weight

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White bass

length · weight

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White bass

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Yellow bass

length · weight

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General info

Pistakee Lake is a lake located in McHenry County, Illinois, United States. It is also intersecting with Lake County, Illinois. It is most popular for fishing Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, and Walleye.

Location

42°23′12.7″N 88°12′9″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Largemouth Bass biting on Pistakee Lake?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Pistakee Lake. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Pistakee Lake, IL

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Illinois can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass

Regulation boundaryIL Illinois State Waters
Bag limit6

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Aggregate limit6

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
There is no statewide size limit. Daily harvest limit is 6 Bass, either singly or in the aggregate, except as specified under Site-Specific Regulations. Only statewide regulations are shown herein, but you can access Site-Specific Regulations online.
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Micropterus nigricans
Season open: year-round
Channel catfish

Channel catfish

Regulation boundaryIL Illinois State Waters
Additional information
There are no harvest or size limits except in those waters listed under Site-Specific Regulations. 
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Channel Catfish by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Ictalurus punctatus
Season open: year-round
Walleye

Walleye

Regulation boundaryIL Illinois State Waters
Bag limit6

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size14" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit6

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
Statewide regulations are shown herein, but you can access Site-Specific Regulations online.All Walleye, Sauger, or their hybrid (Saugeye) taken must be 14-inches total length or longer, except in the Mississippi River or as specified under Site-Specific Regulations. Daily harvest limit is 6 Walleye, Sauger or their hybrid, either singly or in the aggregate, except in those waters listed under Site Specific Regulations. Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa: Minimum Length Limit = 15-inches total lengthProtected Slot Length Limit: no possession of fish greater than or equal to 20 inches and less than 27 inches Trophy: No more than 1 fish greater than or equal to 27-inches total length. Please review Site-Specific Regulations online.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Sander vitreus
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Local laws and licenses

Illinois fishing license

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Reviews of Pistakee Lake

4.7
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20 ratings

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4
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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Pistakee Highlands

1.2 miles away

Fox Lake

2.7 miles away

Lakemoor

3.3 miles away

Fox Lake Hills

4.2 miles away

Spring Grove

5.0 miles away

McHenry

5.7 miles away

Round Lake

5.8 miles away

Round Lake Beach

6.2 miles away

Island Lake

7.5 miles away

Richmond

7.6 miles away

Burtons Bridge

7.6 miles away

Prairie Grove

8.3 miles away

Wauconda

8.5 miles away

Antioch

9.0 miles away

Grayslake

9.2 miles away

Greenwood

9.3 miles away

Lindenhurst

9.3 miles away

Genoa City

10.2 miles away

Salem Lakes

11.0 miles away

Lake Barrington

12.2 miles away

Cary

12.3 miles away

Crystal Lake

12.6 miles away

Hebron

13.0 miles away

Woodstock

13.0 miles away

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FAQ about Pistakee Lake fishing

📍 Where is Pistakee Lake located?
Pistakee Lake is a lake located in McHenry County, Illinois, United States. It is also intersecting with Lake County, Illinois. Its coordinates are:
42°23′12.7″N 88°12′9″W
.
🎣 Where on Pistakee Lake is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Pistakee Lake by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Pistakee Lake?
The most common species in Pistakee Lake are:
📢 What are the latest Pistakee Lake fishing reports?
The latest Pistakee Lake fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Pistakee Lake?

Fishing in Illinois requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include resident, non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination licenses, purchasable online or at licensed agents.

In Illinois, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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